LAYUP AIMS TO TACKLE SPORTS BETTING IN THE U.S — BY MAKING EVERY FAN A WINNER

Backed by the American Savings Promotion Act, Layup encourages real savings while channeling the thrill of winning money on sports

If everyone likes to win money, then why don’t most people gamble? The founders of Layup—a groundbreaking new fintech startup—think it comes down to more than fear of losing money. The incentives that power the gaming industry also push people away. Inspired by Prize Bonds in Ireland, the founders’ native country, Layup flips the incentives on their head, redefining what it means to play—and win.

Layup is a sports game built for every U.S. sports fan, not just gamblers. The app generates daily sports picks for users, similar to a parlay, but instead of betting their deposit, they save it. Every pick earns a chance to win real cash prizes, but their principal always stays safe.

The concept is based on Irish Prize Bonds, which are operationally a lottery funded by the interest earned on the $5 billion worth of deposits in the program. But in Ireland, it’s much more significant: Prize Bonds are a safe, fun, and trusted way to enjoy the thrill of winning without the risk of financial loss.

“We think we’re offering something that no one else in the U.S. is, and we’ve more than doubled our active users over the past month,” said Owen Monagan, co-founder and CEO of Layup. “I think the message behind our product is resonating. It’s a sports game where all of the outcomes are good. You either win money or save money. If we’re doing our job right, you’ll do both.”

Built on Trust, Not Temptation

All funds deposited through Layup go directly into accounts held by nbkc bank, Member FDIC, where they’re held safely and can be withdrawn at any time. The bank pays Layup a monthly fee to attract savers, and Layup uses that to fund its prize payouts. In short: no hidden fees, no middlemen, no “house,” no downside.

The model is backed by the American Savings Promotion Act of 2014, common-sense bipartisan legislation focused on helping average Americans.

“In Ireland, products like Prize Bonds are so trusted that kids use them,” said Oisín Tiernan, co-founder and CTO of Layup. “I’ve had one since I was a 1-year-old. It was a gift from my godmother. We wanted to take that same concept and bring it to the U.S., using the same energy that has made legal sports betting so popular and channel it into a product that is safe and fun.”

A Real Solution to a Real Problem

Layup isn’t just a clever twist on saving—it’s a timely answer to an urgent issue. In 2024, Americans lost approximately $8 billion on parlay bets, a form of sports gambling especially popular among young men. At the same time, this same group is facing historically low savings rates and increasing financial stress.

“What makes me proudest is what the data is starting to show: After 30 days, 60% of our users say they’re betting less on traditional sportsbook apps,” Monagan said. “That’s not just a behavior shift—it’s a financial pivot. We’re turning a costly habit into a healthy one.”

The academic research backs it up: Studies have indicated or outright stated that prize-linked savings products such as Layup can turn gambling spending into savings—offering an actual, research-backed solution to gambling.

“If you strip away the game mechanics, our business is built on a simple principle: You never lose your principal,” Monagan said. “We’re not doing this out of pure altruism. We believe Layup is founded on a sound business strategy. Sportsbooks are so focused on taking as much money as possible from their customers that they’ve created space for us to create a successful business focused on doing the opposite.” 

Layup: The New Way to Play

Layup’s experience is designed to feel more like a March Madness pool with friends, a 50-50 raffle, or a fantasy football league. It’s exciting and it’s built for people who like to win—but don’t want to lose.

“We’ve built a product that feels fun and familiar, but at its core, it’s changing the relationship people have with money,” said Tiernan. “If sports can make grown men paint themselves blue, they can motivate someone to save 50 bucks.”